'America has spoken'

2004-11-03 23:13

Washington - President George W Bush declared victory on Wednesday in the US presidential elections, saying: "America has spoken."

Bush congratulated Democratic challenger John Kerry on a "spirited campaign" and thanked his family and advisers for their support.

"America has spoken and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens," he said.

"With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans.

And I will do my best to fulfil that duty every day as your president."

Bush appealed for national unity after the bitter and divisive election campaign.

He reached out to those who had voted for Kerry and asked for their help in strengthening the nation in the years that lay ahead.

"I will need your support and I will work to earn it," Bush said.

"I will do all I can do to deserve your trust."

- SAPA